Creative Production Designer

The Job:

The Creative Production Designer is responsible for production execution of all Print collateral at Ace. This individual will provide design execution support newspaper ads, in-store signage, direct mail and quality checks from internal and vendor partners. This Production Artist will work to create visually appealing cover layouts, update print book files in InDesign for text changes and reformatting, and flow in digital text, ensuring correct formatting of all graphic elements. The Production Artist should have strong typography skills, experience in print book production and/or cover design and should have a thorough understanding of file types.

What you’ll do:

• Collaborate with production manager, creative direction and internal and external partners to define and implement production solutions for all print collateral – including newspaper ads, direct mail, signage, grand openings and buying brochures. 
• Design and create/manage print projects in conjunction with Project Managers.
• Assist in the collection, archiving, and distribution of assets for preparation of production artwork as necessary. 
• Image processing for color correction, retouching and compositing (file types such as EPS, INDD, JPEG, PSD, TIF). 
• Dieline expert for all deliverables. Manage print process, prep + send files to a printer, perform color blending and color adjustment in Photoshop, etc. 
• Assist with and manage multiple simultaneous projects. Adheres to all standards and SOPs, including file naming conventions, artwork release methods, appropriate electronic filing of artwork on server, etc. 
• Solve somewhat more complex problems by analyzing variables and applying appropriate solutions learned through experience and proficiency in understanding the job. 
• Establishes priorities for assigned tasks and coordinates phases of work with others. 
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

What you need to succeed:

Experience and Technical Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in discipline related to functional work OR demonstrated ability to meet the job requirements through a comparable number of years of applicable work experience. 
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience Digital production knowledge of email and website creation is a plus. 
• Able to apply strong functional computer knowledge in utilizing Mac OS and other technical tools in completing assignments. May require knowledge of or ability to quickly learn specialized software to complete work assignments. Able to demonstrate continued expertise in the primary tools or applications used in completing daily work assignments. 
• Requires very good communication skills with ability to state messages in a clear manner by using language that is easy for others to understand. 
• Must be able to proactively listen to others to understand issues and situations. Must be able to clearly articulate business needs to both internal and external customers. 
• Must be very well versed on Macintosh platform (OSX) and industry standard applications: InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop; with a working knowledge of Office applications: PowerPoint, Word and Excel. Four-color printing process 
• Ability to provide creative concepts and understand a high-level of retail advertising. 
• Positive, motivated, collaborative team player. Strong listening skills. 
• Must have excellent prioritizing and organizational skills with great attention to detail